Basketball star Patty Mills announced as National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2016 ambassador!

We are thrilled to announce NBA and Olympic basketballer Patty Mills as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) 2016 ambassador.

Patty, one of Australia’s top basketballers, was part of the San Antonio Spurs 2014 NBA Championship-winning team, and has also represented Australia at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Patty was also the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man to win an NBA Championship and only the second Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to play in the NBA.

Born in Canberra to a father from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait and a mother from Ceduna in South Australia, Patty has maintained strong connections with his communities.

“Even when I’m away from Australia I feel very connected to my family, my community and my culture through many different aspects, especially traditional songs and dances.”

– Patty Mills

“Kids need culture to be able to stay connected to their heritage and to have a strong sense of identity. Having these connections will make them proud of who they are in any, and every, environment.”

– Patty Mills

SNAICC CEO Mr Gerry Moore is excited to welcome Patty as the 2016 Children’s Day ambassador, commenting, “Patty is an inspirational role model for our deadly little ones. A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man, we look forward to sharing his story with kids across the country to help celebrate the special role that culture and connection plays in all our lives.”